December is here and probably most of you are wondering where to go for vacation, since it is winter break time. It is finally that time of the year again and everyone is getting their suitcases out, ready for their next trip. Do you have your suitcase and passport ready but still don’t know where you are heading to? Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with some of the best possible places to visit just in time for the holidays.

It is a great month to travel as it suits all types of travelers, from those opting for somewhere warm, where they can escape the cold winter and enjoy some vitamin D, to the ones who are obsessed with Christmas and everything that comes with it, just like myself. 

1. Strasbourg, France

There is no better way to spend December than in the capital of Christmas itself. Strasbourg is a beautiful city that is located on the german-french border in Alsace. It is charming and cozy all year round, let alone when it’s the holiday season. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland full of Christmas markets and holiday lights around every corner. Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are the main reason you should consider visiting the city in December because the vibes are just MAGICAL! Tears prick my eyes at the thought of how the shops in this charming storybook town overflow to the brim this time of year. They usually run starting at the end of November until the 24th of December. Get ready for endless glasses of Gluehwein, delicious food, and LOTS of Instagram-worthy pictures. 

The Cathedral Notre Dame de Strasbourg is another reason why you should pay the city a visit. It is located in the middle of Strasbourg and can be climbed for nice views of the city from above. When visiting in December visitors get to see one of the best Christmas markets in France, which is located around the cathedral. Strasbourg is a dynamic and lively city of many museums, operas, and festivals and one that maintains a rich heritage. These reasons combined make it the perfect December holiday destination.

I also recommend visiting Petite France, which is one of the coziest and most picturesque neighborhoods of this beautiful city. The water runs through the neighborhood with many nice restaurants creating a very lovely atmosphere. 

2. Rovaniemi, Lapland

This one is for the ones who are willing to splurge a bit to realize their snow-filled fantasies. Ever dreamt of visiting the official home of Santa Claus. We know this sounds like a dream, but Rovaniemi is actually where Santa Claus’ house is located, and you can even visit him in his office and send special letters from there. Now you would think that this is the best thing about visiting Rovaniemi but guess what? We are just getting started because in this magical city you will experience a winter full of pink skies, husky sleds, and twinkling lights. 

You can go husky sledding and take a reindeer sleigh ride, just like in movies. There you choose between various different route lengths starting from 500 meters to 8 kilometers.

Finally, the main reason why you should visit Lapland is to view the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis, another thing to cross off your bucket list. There are some Aurora hunting tours over there that one can try to increase the chance of witnessing this magical event without having to stand outside in the cold all night long. 

3. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife would be my next recommendation for those who still want to escape the winter’s cold but want to stay inside the EU. If you are looking for somewhere less crowded then the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands is a great option as there are fewer tourists in December in comparison to other months.

For all the beach lovers out there, get your swimsuits ready because even in December you can still go to the beach in Tenerife as the average temperature is usually around 23 degrees celsius.

I know, going to the beach in December sounds too good to be true, especially when we are talking about Europe here but believe it or not, it is true. 

Apart from the beach and the good weather there are many other activities one can do in December in Tenerife. The island is a perfect destination for hikers especially in December as the weather is not too hot like in summer but is cool enough to enjoy the hike and get the best views. 

This one is for all the adrenaline lovers out there because in Tenerife the weather is ideal for paragliding, snorkeling, and diving. This is a great way to explore the island in a different way, from above.

4. Bavaria Region, Germany

One of the most incredible places you could ever visit is the Bavaria Region of Germany. Going here any time of the year will create memories to last a lifetime, but a visit in December guarantees a certain magic that no other time of year can provide.

December in Bavaria is Christmas Market season.

This one sentence should be enough to spark something within you that makes you want to book a flight, now. The German Christmas Markets abound with shoppers, the mountains are covered with snow, and the castles look like something straight out of a storybook.

From snow-topped Alps in the south to frozen lakes in the north and the icy forests in the east there’s a lot to see and do in this area, so the amount of time you have to spend here might dictate how much you get to see. But here are my top five picks:

1. Spend a weekend in Munich
2. Get cozy in the Bavarian Alps
3. Enjoy a beer-tasting in Bamberg
4. Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
5. Shop the Christmas markets & drink hot cocoa

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

There’s never a dull day in Reykjavik during the wintertime, even if the days are dark! Apart from the occasional dusting of snow and regular display of Northern Lights, there’s a calendar full of cultural events and festivities to be enjoyed in December.

A trip to Reykjavik would be incomplete without a visit to its most recognizable building – Hallgrimskirkja Church. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Iceland and since it’s free to visit you can get some incredible photographs from the top. In December, this means being able to get some great shots of the Christmas lights illuminating the entire city.

Since the weather in Iceland in December will be chilly, it’s the perfect time to check out the many geothermal pools. Iceland is famous for its geothermal pools, and these warm outdoor pools have long since become a large part of the culture of Reykjavik.

Fed from underground hot springs, you can laze in the naturally warm waters before making your way to the hot tubs or even sauna for an even warmer experience. There are several options to choose from but Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and even the Secret Lagoon are all fantastic choices.

It’s impossible to visit Iceland in December and not take a trip to see the Northern Lights, in my humble opinion. Because Reykjavik is a city with many lights you’ll want to head into the Icelandic countryside to see the aurora more vibrantly, where the Northern Lights is the only thing brightening the sky.

You can opt for several other adventures while in Iceland as well. From ice cave climbing to whale watching to ice water diving, Reykjavik offers plenty of choices to feed your wanderlust.

There are for sure many other beautiful trips one could do in December but I chose my top 5 favorites for you to help you choose the right trip for you. Each of the above-mentioned trips is unique in its own way. It just depends on whether you are longing for some sunshine and warm weather or you want to experience the Christmas festivities in Europe.